7 LAUNDRY TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CLOTHES LAST ALMOST FOREVER

The dirty clothes basket never seems to be empty. You wash, dry, iron, or fold, and then do it all over again. But, are you washing your clothes properly? Here are 7 laundry tips to help your clothes last almost indefinitely.

1. Skip Dry Cleaning when Necessary

Although many clothing tags state "Dry Clean Only," you are not required to always follow these instructions. Dry cleaning, which uses a chemical solution to clean the surface of garments, actually causes fabrics to deteriorate.

Linen, wool, and silk are all completely safe to get wet and often perform well in a delicate or express cycle (a mesh bag can be used to decrease abrasion). If you're concerned about colors bleeding, test a little area first. You may save your clothes from unnecessary wear and tear by reducing your use of dry cleaning.

2. Stains must be Pre-Treated

If you stain a treasured item, pre-treatment will give it the best chance of recovery. Let the problem area soak in detergent or stain remover before washing. You can also soak the garment in cold water before running it through the cycle to help remove the stain.

3. Wash Your Darks from the Inside Out

Turn your dark items inside out before putting them in the washing machine to maintain them vibrantly dark. It prevents the fabric surfaces from rubbing against each other, thus will help combat the fading that can occur when washing blacks, navies, and forest greens. Sure, some color loss may occur on the inner side, but the exterior will be preserved.

4. Avoid Using Excessive Detergent

Contrary to popular belief, using more detergent does not result in cleaner laundry. In fact, applying too much detergent can leave a residue on clothing, making it stiff and scratchy and dulling the color. All of this causes clothing to age prematurely.

5. Select a Shorter Cycle

As long as your favorite stuff aren't too dirty, a shorter cycle is usually the best option. Whether they're delicate (in which case the gentlest cycle is essential) or not, reducing the number of times your clothes spin around in the wash will enhance longevity.

6. If Possible, Use Cold Water

Cold water is your laundry's best friend because it is gentler on clothes than hot water, which can cause shrinking and stretching. It is also gentle on darks and brights because hot water has the propensity to fade them.

7. Determine Which Dryer Setting to Use

When it comes to dryer settings, the terms "normal" or "regular" can be quite misleading. These settings actually provide the most heat, which should be avoided in most circumstances; only heavier things like towels and jeans survive at this temperature level.